Causes

The cause of schizophrenia is unknown but it is associated with problems in brain structure and chemistry. There may be some genetic role.

Schizophrenia does not develop because of one factor. You may have a gene that increases your chance of schizophrenia, but you may not develop the disease based on your environment. Environment means any outside factor like stress or infection.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of schizophrenia include:

Having a parent or sibling with schizophrenia

Marijuana use or other drug use

Father being of older age

Other factors, like problems during pregnancy or birth such as infection

Symptoms

Men typically develop symptoms in their late teens or early twenties. Schizophrenia in women tends to occur in their twenties or thirties. In rare cases, it is seen in childhood.

Symptoms often appear slowly. They may become more disturbing and bizarre over time or occur in a matter of weeks or months.

Symptoms may include:

Hallucinations—seeing or hearing things/voices that are not there

Delusions—strong but false personal beliefs that are not based in reality

Disorganized thinking

Disorganized speech—lack of ability to speak in a way that makes sense

Emotional flatness—flat speech, lack of facial expression, and general disinterest and withdrawal

Paranoia

Inappropriate laughter

Poor hygiene and self-care

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Schizophrenia is diagnosed by certain symptoms that:

Exist most of the time during a period of one month

Cause a decreased level of functioning

Continue for at least 6 months (certain symptoms)

The doctor will rule out other causes, such as drug use, physical illness, or other mental health conditions.

Treatment

Schizophrenia is not curable, but it is highly treatable. Hospitalization may be required during acute episodes. Symptoms are usually controlled with antipsychotic medications.

Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options may include one or more of the following:

Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotics work by blocking certain chemicals in the brain. This helps control the abnormal thinking that occurs in people with schizophrenia. Determining a drug plan can be a complicated process. Often medications or dosages need to be changed until the right balance is found. This can take months or even years. The right balance of medication will have the least amount of side effects possible with the greatest benefit.

It is important to continue taking the medication even if you are feeling better. Symptoms will return once the medication has been stopped. A long-acting injection instead of daily pills may be used if you have difficulty taking regular medication.

Antipsychotics also have side effects that may make it difficult to stick to a medication routine. Common side effects include:

Slow and stiff movements

Restlessness

Facial tics

Protruding tongue

Medications called
atypical antipsychotics have fewer side effects and are better tolerated over long periods of time. However, these medications may cause weight gain, high blood sugar, and
high cholesterol.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Schizophrenia in children and adolescents. National Alliance on Mental Illness website. Available at:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By%5FIllness&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=103175. Updated July 2010. Accessed August 28, 2012.